Start ’em, Sit ’em: Two former OSU stars should be in your starting lineup

Jeremy Kolok

Sports Blogger

Start ’em

Dez Bryant, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys

(Football Schedule, Flickr)

The Cowboys face the tough Vikings defense Thursday night, who specialize in stopping the run. I expect running back Ezekiel Elliott to struggle against the toughest defense the Cowboys have faced all season. To make up for production, Dallas will likely throw the ball to its stud receiver.

Tyreek Hill, wide receiver, Kansas City Chiefs

(Brook Ward, Flickr)

Hill is coming off the most impressive week of his young professional career. Hill has rare speed that will translate into big plays far more regularly than the average receiver. With Jeremy Maclin still out with an injury, the Chiefs’ passing offense relied heavily again on Hill in Week 12, as he grabbed nine receptions and three total touchdowns. Hill’s explosiveness keeps his ceiling high.

Colin Kaepernick, quarterback, San Fransisco 49ers

I know, I know, I said I wouldn’t include any more quarterbacks in Start ‘em, Sit ‘em. With that being said, the fantasy resurrection of Colin Kaepernick is noteworthy. Kaepernick put up 32 points in Week 12, and he has been red-hot since taking over as the 49ers’ starter. Only Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has put up more fantasy points than Kaepernick over the past four weeks. The 49ers have Chicago on Sunday, and Kaepernick should light them up.

Sit ‘em

Jordan Reed, tight end, Washington Redskins

Reed lit up the Cowboys’ secondary Thanksgiving, but he is nursing a shoulder injury. He reportedly “couldn’t even get dressed in the morning” he was in so much pain. Reed is listed as questionable for Sunday, but even if he plays, I would leave him on the bench. The Redskins are facing Arizona and it’s top-notch defense. The lingering injury, mixed in with one-on-one coverage from Tyrann Mathieu, are enough reason for me to sit Reed.

Rashad Jennings, running back, New York Giants

With soaring expectations from his fantasy owners, Jennings flattened out with a mediocre Week 12 against Cleveland. The Browns defense is pitiful, so for Jennings to struggle against them is concerning. The Giants have the Steelers this week, who will put up a lot of points, thus constituting a shootout and a lot passes from Eli Manning. This style of play only limits Jennings ceiling as a running back.